AUDA-NEPAD Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Support

Introducing our Facilitators! We are pleased to introduce Jasmine Carew, Manager CFO Services at Greenstep, as an expert facilitator for African Union Development Agency-NEPAD’s Akili AI MSME UpSkill Lab. Jasmine brings over 10 years of experience in financial strategy and controlling, having worked across various industries to support Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) through periods of growth and transformation. Her work as a CFO consultant is grounded in helping business leaders design sound financial strategies and implement structures that support sustainable scale. In her session, Jasmine will guide our participants through Financial Planning, Projections, and Due Diligence, helping them better understand how to align operational realities with long-term growth goals. Her practical insights will be instrumental in shaping how these businesses approach finance not just as a compliance function, but as a strategic tool for decision-making and expansion. Discover Jasmine’s impact on our participants: https://lnkd.in/enahdyZk #MSMEUpSkillLab #AkiliAi #AfricanStartups #InvestmentExperts #Masterclass #Agenda2063 AUDA NEPAD, BADEA - Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, Meta, Pitchwise, William (Bill) Nwogbo, Seydina Issa Laye SECK, Alexander Zanders, Mubarak Ayanniyi, Samuel Oluwatobi A. (BSc.,MBA ), Birahim Fall, Esther Eruchie, Ibrahima Miniane Diouf, Shina Arogundade, Thierno Sakho, Raimund R., Njabulo Skhosana

Introducing our Facilitators! We are pleased to introduce Oumar B., Investment Analyst at Mercer Investments, as an expert facilitator for African Union Development Agency-NEPAD’s Akili AI MSME UpSkill Lab. Oumar has worked across investment research and equity analysis, bringing with him a strong background in helping early-stage businesses articulate their financial stories in a way that resonates with investors. His approach combines practical experience with a clear passion for supporting African entrepreneurs in becoming truly investment-ready. Oumar will work closely with our participants to refine their financial models, enhance their investor presentations, and build the confidence needed to engage institutional capital. He will demystify the investor perspective and provide actionable frameworks for translating business strategy into credible financial plans. Discover Oumar’s impact on our participants: https://lnkd.in/enahdyZk #MSMEUpSkillLab #AkiliAi #AfricanStartups #InvestmentExperts #Masterclass #Agenda2063 AUDA NEPAD, BADEA - Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, Meta, Pitchwise, William (Bill) Nwogbo, Seydina Issa Laye SECK, Alexander Zanders, Mubarak Ayanniyi, Samuel Oluwatobi A. (BSc.,MBA ), Birahim Fall, Esther Eruchie, Ibrahima Miniane Diouf, Shina Arogundade, Thierno Sakho, Raimund R., Njabulo Skhosana

Introducing our Facilitators! We are pleased to introduce Adam Habib Cisse, Investment Manager at Dakar Network Angels (DNA), as an expert facilitator for African Union Development Agency-NEPAD’s Akili AI MSME UpSkill Lab. Adam operates at the intersection of capital, climate, and ecosystem development across Francophone Africa. In addition to his role at DNA, he collaborates with impact funds, such as Cauris Finance, and contributes to research on energy access and climate-aligned infrastructure. His diverse background, spanning early-stage investing to clean energy systems, brings a rare breadth of experience to this initiative. Adam will lead a technical session on Crafting an Effective Pitch Deck, which is a vital skill for startups seeking investment readiness. This will help our participants structure compelling investor decks, highlight traction and potential, and tell their stories in ways that resonate with early-stage capital providers. Discover Adam’s expertise impact on our participants: https://lnkd.in/enahdyZk #MSMEUpSkillLab #AkiliAi #AfricanStartups #InvestmentExperts #Masterclass #Agenda2063 AUDA NEPAD, BADEA - Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, Meta, Pitchwise, William (Bill) Nwogbo, Seydina Issa Laye SECK, Alexander Zanders, Mubarak Ayanniyi, Samuel Oluwatobi A. (BSc.,MBA ), Birahim Fall, Esther Eruchie, Ibrahima Miniane Diouf, Shina Arogundade, Thierno Sakho, Raimund R., Njabulo Skhosana

Introducing our Facilitators! We are pleased to introduce Joseph Boadi-Darkwah, Investment Manager at HYUNDAI CRADLE, as an expert facilitator for African Union Development Agency-NEPAD’s Akili AI MSME UpSkill Lab. Joseph leads strategic investments and portfolio management for Hyundai’s innovation unit in Europe, where he focuses on identifying high-potential startups with strong technological foundations. Prior to this, he worked with a global VC firm, sourcing and managing investments in deep tech companies — including one that was successfully acquired by the Ocado Group. His career spans South Korea and Europe, giving him a unique global perspective on innovation, corporate venture capital, and what it takes to scale a business beyond local markets. In his session, Joseph will engage with our participants on what early and growth-stage investors look for at every step of the fundraising journey. His experience with corporate venture arms will also offer practical insight into what strategic investors value and how startups can better align with long-term innovation goals. Discover Joseph’s impact on our participants: https://lnkd.in/enahdyZk #MSMEUpSkillLab #AkiliAi #AfricanStartups #InvestmentExperts #Masterclass #Agenda2063 AUDA NEPAD, BADEA - Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, Meta, Pitchwise, William (Bill) Nwogbo, Seydina Issa Laye SECK, Alexander Zanders, Mubarak Ayanniyi, Samuel Oluwatobi A. (BSc.,MBA ), Birahim Fall, Esther Eruchie, Ibrahima Miniane Diouf, Shina Arogundade, Thierno Sakho, Raimund R., Njabulo Skhosana

Introducing our Facilitators! We are pleased to introduce Jefferson Rumanyika, founder of The Grio, as an expert facilitator for African Union Development Agency-NEPAD’s Akili AI MSME UpSkill Lab. Jefferson is an investor, analyst, and financial storyteller whose work blends rigorous market intelligence with a deep understanding of the historical, behavioural, and structural forces shaping Africa’s private sector. Through The Grio, he publishes data-rich, narrative-driven research that helps founders and funders uncover market opportunities often overlooked by conventional lenses. His session will help our participants sharpen their Investor Communication, Engagement, and Reporting, a vital yet often overlooked aspect of maintaining strong investor relationships post-fundraise. With a deep background in private markets research and financial storytelling, Jefferson helps founders clarify and consistently communicate, which would help to reduce information asymmetry and create alignment for future fundraising rounds. Discover Jefferson’s impact on our participants: https://lnkd.in/enahdyZk #MSMEUpSkillLab #AkiliAi #AfricanStartups #InvestmentExperts #Masterclass #Agenda2063 AUDA NEPAD, BADEA - Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, Meta, Pitchwise, William (Bill) Nwogbo, Seydina Issa Laye SECK, Alexander Zanders, Mubarak Ayanniyi, Samuel Oluwatobi A. (BSc.,MBA ), Birahim Fall, Esther Eruchie, Ibrahima Miniane Diouf, Shina Arogundade, Thierno Sakho, Raimund R., Njabulo Skhosana

Introducing our Facilitators! We are pleased to introduce Eugène Saint-Grégoire, Tech M&A and Fundraising Advisor at Dama Advisory, as an expert facilitator in African Union Development Agency-NEPAD’s Akili AI MSME UpSkill Lab. Eugene will lead a specialised session on Legal, Compliance, and Negotiation Skills, which is a crucial area for any startup preparing to raise capital or enter strategic partnerships. With a unique dual background as both a lawyer and an investment banker, Eugene advises high-growth companies on fundraising, M&A, and investment structuring across Europe and Africa. His career spans legal advisory, financial audit (PwC France), and investment banking, with a sectoral focus on deep tech, AI, web3, digital industry, and climate tech. With Eugene, our participants will gain a practical understanding of legal risk management, deal structuring, investor negotiations, and regulatory compliance, ensuring that their growth is built on solid, scalable foundations. Discover Eugene’s impact on our participants: https://lnkd.in/enahdyZk #MSMEUpSkillLab #AkiliAi #AfricanStartups #InvestmentExperts #Masterclass #Agenda2063 AUDA NEPAD, BADEA - Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, Meta, Pitchwise, William (Bill) Nwogbo, Seydina Issa Laye SECK, Alexander Zanders, Mubarak Ayanniyi, Samuel Oluwatobi A. (BSc.,MBA ), Birahim Fall, Esther Eruchie, Ibrahima Miniane Diouf, Shina Arogundade, Thierno Sakho, Raimund R., Njabulo Skhosana

Introducing our 1st Cohort! We are excited to introduce the 1st Cohort of African Union Development Agency-NEPAD’s Akili AI MSME UpSkill Lab 2025, comprising of 12 exceptional startups from Nigeria, Senegal, and South Africa. These founders are shaping Africa’s future across biotech, clean energy, agri-fintech, mental health, and more. AUDA NEPAD, supported by BADEA - Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, Meta and Pitchwise, is committed to empowering African founders to drive a stronger economy and innovation ecosystem. Follow their progress toward investor readiness and join us in celebrating Africa’s entrepreneurial spirit. Meet our 1st Cohort: - Betalife Health Service (Nigeria) – Mubarak Ayanniyi is tackling Africa’s blood shortage crisis with an AI-powered, real-time supply platform. - Betapawa Solutions | (SBC Afritech '24) (Nigeria) – Samuel Oluwatobi A. (BSc.,MBA ) is powering SMEs with AI-driven solar microgrids, replacing diesel with clean, affordable energy. - Bictorys (Senegal) – Birahim Fall is simplifying payments with an omnichannel platform that syncs collections and reconciliation. - CRAB A RIDE (South Africa) – Raimund R.’s carpooling platform is making transport safer, cheaper, and more accessible. - CureRoot (South Africa) – Njabulo Skhosana is unlocking Africa’s biodiversity by discovering new drugs from medicinal plants. - FriendnPal (Nigeria) – Esther Eruchie is breaking barriers to mental health care with Africa’s first predictive, multilingual AI support platform. - Mafalia (Senegal) – Ibrahima Miniane Diouf is helping African merchants optimise operations and connect better with customers. - MyItura (MTN ‘25) (Nigeria) – Shina Arogundade’s digital health platform integrates patients, providers, and insurers into one connected system. - PROBOUTIK (Senegal) – Thierno Sakho is digitising 200M+ African microbusinesses with financial tools, payments, and lending solutions. - ProDevs (MTN '25) (Nigeria) – William (Bill) Nwogbo’s venture is connecting vetted African talents to global opportunities through outsourcing and AI-driven hiring. - SENFRAIS (Senegal) – Seydina Issa Laye SECK’s venture is combating post-harvest losses with solar-powered refrigerated tricycles that keep produce fresh and affordable. - UfarmX ® (Techstars '24) (Senegal) – Alexander Zanders is bridging Africa’s $100B farmer financing gap with AI-powered agri-fintech. Discover our 1st cohort: https://lnkd.in/enahdyZk #MSMEUpSkillLab #AkiliAi #AfricanStartups #Entrepreneurship #Funding #Agenda2063

Meta is on board! We are thrilled to announce #META as our technical sponsor for AUDA NEPAD's Akili AI MSME UpSkill Lab, accelerating digital transformation for Afntrepreneurs. Technology drives transformation, and META’s expertise is driving the Akili AI MSME UpSkill Lab, an initiative that is transforming MSMEs in #Nigeria, #Senegal, & #SouthAfrica to attract bigger #investments and scale sustainably across Africa. With META, African businesses are gaining hands-on, digital skills to present, pitch, and reach relevant interests in today’s connected world. Together, we are equipping entrepreneurs with essential tools and knowledge to thrive and advance Africa’s vibrant economy. Follow our journey with META: https://lnkd.in/enahdyZk #MSMEUpSkillLab #AkiliAi #DigitalSkills #AfricanBusinesses #InvestorReady #EntrepreneurialEcosystem #Agenda2063

#BADEA is on board! We are thrilled to have BADEA - Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa on board as our official sponsor for AUDA NEPAD’s Akili AI MSME UpSkill Lab! Big moves need big believers. That is why BADEA (Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa) is committed to building resilient, investor-ready businesses that scale sustainably across the African continent. Thanks to BADEA, high-potential Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in #Nigeria 🇳🇬, #Senegal 🇸🇳 and #SouthAfrica 🇿🇦 can now transform into ventures ready to attract bigger #investment. Together, we are driving the growth of youth and women-led businesses in Africa. Follow our journey with BADEA: https://lnkd.in/enahdyZk #MSMEUpSkillLab #AkiliAi #InvestInAfrica #AfricanBusinesses #EntrepreneurialEcosystem #Agenda2063

Pitchwise is on board! We are proud to have #Pitchwise on board as our ecosystem #sponsor powering AUDA-NEPAD’s Akili AI MSME UpSkill Lab! Pitchwise provides startups with #fundraising tools, resources, and #investor access that turn great ideas into investor-ready ventures. From editable pitch decks to curated investor requests and insights, Pitchwise ensures founders fundraise smarter. Follow our journey with Pitchwise: https://lnkd.in/enahdyZk #MSMEUpSkillLab #AkiliAi #InvestorReady #africanbusinesses #EntrepreneurialEcosystem #Agenda2063